Puntagorda – When La Palma Turns White in February

At the end of January, beginning of February, when the coastal towns still look brown and dusty, the almond trees blossom in Puntagorda. Thousands of trees on the terraces and slopes above the sea open their white and pale-pink blossoms all at once – a change of colour that transforms the northwest coast of La Palma in an instant. The spectacle alone makes the journey worthwhile.

Puntagorda is one of the smallest municipalities on La Palma. The mountain village lies at an elevation of around 600 to 700 meters in a pine forest zone between Los Llanos de Aridane and Garafía – on the leeward west side, which gives it more sunshine than the towns on the north coast. It is precisely this combination of altitude, sun and cool winter nights that gives the almond trees the conditions they need for their early blossom.

The Almond Blossom – When and Where

The almonds in Puntagorda typically bloom between late January and mid-February. The exact timing depends on the winter weather – a mild December can bring the blossom forward, a cold winter can delay it. Those who want to be sure should plan their trip for the first weeks of February and check the current state beforehand with the Puntagorda municipal office or on local social media channels.

The most beautiful almond blossom fields lie on the terraces below the village centre and along the access roads. A walk through the slopes – with no fixed route, simply following the trees – is the best way to experience the blossom. Early in the morning, when the ground is still frosty and the blossoms glow in the first light, the sight is at its most striking.

Winemaking in Puntagorda

Besides the almonds, Puntagorda is known for its wine growing. The vines grow on black volcanic soil within dry-stone terrace walls – the classic Canarian bancal system. The wines from this area – mainly Listán Negro and Negramoll for reds, Albillo and Listán Blanco for whites – have a mineral character that comes from the volcanic soil.

The Mercadillo de Puntagorda takes place on Saturdays and Sundays and is one of the most popular on La Palma: local farmers sell wine, cheese, honey, almonds and handmade produce. Combined with the almond blossom, the market makes for one of the most complete day trips La Palma has to offer.

Hiking from Puntagorda

Puntagorda is also the starting point for several hiking routes. Route PR LP 11.2 leads down to the Puerto de Puntagorda – an old fishing harbour on the west coast with a natural pool and spectacular surf. The descent has an elevation change of around 600 meters and is demanding; the old path through pine forest and spurge scrub is unique.

Accommodation in Puntagorda

Puntagorda offers 19 verified holiday homes on Clariso – one of the largest selections for such a small village. Many properties have sea views or are set among the almond groves and vineyards: Holiday Homes in Puntagorda on Clariso

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Getting There for the Almond Blossom Festival

Bienmesabe – the Sweet Canarian Speciality

Experiencing the Almond Blossom on Foot

Photography Tip: Capturing the Almond Blossom Perfectly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Pine Forest of Puntagorda

Puntagorda sits in the middle of La Palma’s pine forest belt – at an elevation of 900 meters, where the Canarian pine dominates the landscape. The forest offers shade and a pleasant microclimate even in summer.

The Canarian pine is a fire-adapted species – it resprouts from the bark after fires, an ability unknown in other tree species. After the last major wildfire on La Palma, which affected parts of the pine forest in 2016, the regenerative power and the new shoots can be observed directly.

Sunset over the Atlantic

Puntagorda lies on the west side of La Palma – a location that makes the village one of the island’s best spots for sunsets. From the edge of the village and from several nearby viewpoints, you can watch the sun sink directly into the Atlantic. In winter, when the trade wind clouds sit low, this produces displays of colour that are hard to beat.